Matchups to watch, but first: Euro Trip

We had a big subscriber week at The Field of 68 Daily, so here’s a hearty welcome to all our new readers. Monday through Friday, we’re here, talking college basketball. Today’s no different as we dive into Nick Smith’s injury, what’s ahead for next week’s foreign tours, recruiting news to watch this weekend and the notable matchups during the non-conference slate.

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STARTING FIVE

1. Nick Smith nicked up for Arkansas

This month, more than 50 programs travel overseas to play exhibition games. The varying level of opponents and roster development means you can't dwell too much on the results. Still, it’s a helpful early look at dozens of programs.

Unfortunately for Arkansas (and fans), they’re unlikely to have star freshman guard Nick Smith.

The good news? It doesn’t seem serious and his status for November isn’t in danger. But we miss out on seeing Smith, a projected 2023 NBA draft lottery pick and an enthralling talent, run the Razorbacks’ offense.

Assuming Arkansas holds Smith out, who steps in? There are two clear options in returning junior guard Davonte Davis and five-star freshman Anthony Black. Davis has experience in the system, but technically got demoted in that role last season. Meanwhile, Black is a versatile and all-around playmaker but doesn’t have much experience being a “true” PG.

Though injuries always string, this gives other offensive options a chance to prove themselves while Eric Musselman starts to figure out the rotation.

2. More foreign tour storylines to watch next week

There are several notable teams set to play some exhibition games in the next week to 10 days. Here are some storylines to watch:

Clemson — Who will be the lead guard?

With leading scorer and starting forward PJ Hall out until at least November, the Tigers’ trip to France (August 3-13) is an opportunity for the rest of the roster to emerge as potential go-to guys on offense. Especially in the backcourt, where there will be three new starters. Freshman Dillon Hunter is one to watch.

Wisconsin — Life after Johnny Davis

It’s going to be hard not having the Big Ten Player of the Year, who helped the Badgers win the conference. His production (19.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg) won’t come from one player, though. Chucky Hepburn, a sophomore breakout candidate, will have to take a lead role. Next week in France (August 7-17) will be the first indication of whether or not he’s ready.

Virginia — Which newcomers stand out?

UVA returns all five starters from last season and top six players in minutes, yet it also brings in a top-15 recruiting class and a solid stretch 4 in Ben Vander Plas from Ohio. Which incoming players crack the rotation? Vander Plas didn’t come to sit on the bench, while rookie Isaac McKneely is arguably the Cavaliers’ best pure shooter. Isaac Traudt is another top-40 freshman with a tantalizing blend of size, shooting, and athleticism. Let’s see if someone can make a good impression while in Italy (August 10-20).

St. John’s — Chemistry of Posh/Curbelo

Of course, the regular season will be the true test. But seeing how Posh Alexander plays with Illinois transfer Andre Curbelo in the backcourt brings intrigue to St. John’s Dominican Republic trip (August 11-19). It’s the ultimate “feast or famine” duo for St. John’s. For any chance of an NCAA Tournament berth, the two have to mesh.

3. Twitter takes a turn in NIL

As the NIL era continues to revolutionize and evolve, the Pac-12 has reportedly partnered up with Twitter and tech companies, Tempus Ex and Opendorse.

This partnership lets players get paid for viral highlights and game moments based on online views. Football players will be the first to benefit (one assumes QBs, wide receivers, and running backs will be the focus).

It’s a great move, and I would be surprised if basketball doesn’t follow suit. Hoops has always been easier to highlight short clips, which is a page from the NBA’s playbook. A big block, clutch shot, or a dunk are all viral moments, and allowing a player to monetize it would be massive for student-athletes.

Expect more ideas and companies to get involved with NIL, especially if we’re waiting on Congress to create its own national guidelines.

4. Big Ten’s big recruiting moves

Scotty Middleton, a consensus top-40 wing in the 2023 class, highlights the notable commitments to watch this weekend (Trey Green is the other). The 6-6 wing is considering Seton Hall and UConn, but the clear favorite is Ohio State.

It would cap a fantastic week for the Buckeyes, who landed 4-star forward Devin Royal on Wednesday. The move would give them a top-3 class, rivaled by just Duke and Kentucky. But Ohio State isn’t the only Big Ten team killing it on the recruiting trail.

Michigan State recently landed top-5 big man Xavier Booker, along with 4-star wing Gehrig Normand. Indiana has two top-100 commits in Gabe Cupps and Jakai Newton, Wisconsin got 4-star center Gus Yalden and Michigan is on track to land 5-star point guard prospect Isaiah Collier.

The Wolverines are also in the mix for four-star big man Papa Kante, with Rutgers as reportedly the other contender. The Scarlet Knights already have the program’s highest-ranked commit in Gavin Griffiths (and Bronny on the way???), so their class could easily get better too.

Will this be a down year for the Big Ten? If so, it will be an outlier.

5. Beyond Tshiebwe vs Timme: Individual showdowns to watch

Nov. 20 will bring the matchup of National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe and two-time All-American Drew Timme, arguably the two best players next season. That’s a rare occurrence.

But that’s hardly the only notable showdown. Here are five to know for the non-conference slate:

Nov. 14: Marcus Sasser (Houston) vs Max Abmas (Oral Roberts)

Abmas averaged 24.5 and 22.8 ppg, respectively, in the past two years. He’s capable of going for 30+ in any game, even against one of the country’s top backcourts. Sasser was averaging nearly 20 ppg before an injury last season. The over/under for these two combined in the game could be 50.

Nov. 15: Yuri Collins (Saint Louis) vs Kendric Davis (Memphis)

Collins led the nation in assists last season (7.9 apg) and has a pair of talented guards to feed in Javonte Perkins and Gibson Jimerson. The Billikens could crack some preseason Top-25 ballots. For Davis, the SMU transfer (and reigning AAC Player of the Year), he’ll be taking over a new-look Tigers squad. Expect a lot of production from both in this game.

Nov. 30: Paul Mulcahy (Rutgers) vs Nijel Pack (Miami)

Pack is one of the biggest impact transfers (17.4 ppg, 44 percent from deep) and joins Isaiah Wong in one of the top backcourts. But don’t overlook Mulcahy, who quietly was second in the Big Ten with 5.3 assists per game last season. With Ron Harper and Geo Baker gone, look for him to carry more of the load for the Scarlet Knights.

Nov. 30: Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana) vs Armando Bacot (North Carolina)

Bacot is in the same tier as Tshiebwe and Timme as one of the game’s top big men. The National Player of the Year candidate will lead the likely No. 1 team. But Jackson-Davis has equally high expectations. He’s big and mobile, and while Pete Nance (UNC) and Race Thompson (Indiana) will also play pivotal roles, it’s Bacot and Jackson-Davis who will garner all the attention.

Dec. 1: Tyrese Hunter (Texas) vs Ryan Nembhard (Creighton)

As two of the best freshmen guards, Hunter and Nembhard led their respective teams to unexpected NCAA Tournament appearances. Over the offseason, Hunter transferred from Iowa State to Texas, while Nembhard rehabbed from a wrist injury that kept him out of the conference tournament and Big Dance. But this year, deep postseason runs are the expectation for both. This early season matchup will showcase their scintillating upside.

TRIVIA TIME

‘Cats and ‘Dogs, facing off

Kentucky may not be playing at The Kennel, but expect their Nov. 20 showdown in Spokane to be one of the 2022-23 season highlights. It’ll also be a rarity as Kentucky and Gonzaga have only played once before, an 80-72 Wildcats win in the 2002 Maui Invitational.

Question: Who was the leading scorer in that game?

Answer at the bottom.

THE DTF PODCAST

Who’s most likely to succeed at a new stop?

We have a lot of first-year head coaches at new destinations, with some able to win now, while others potentially set up to overachieve this upcoming season. Check out who Rob Dauster and John Fanta picked, along with all four of Terrence Oglesby’s selections as well.

Hint: The SEC will be mentioned a lot.

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THE FAST BREAK

Links as you get ready to cheer for your favorite Premier League team for the start of the new season. Unless they got relegated or something.

• The rebuilt St. Bonaventure roster announced its non-con schedule.

• Oklahoma had an easy exhibition win overseas.

• Tennessee State assistant Ben Walker joined Milwaukee’s coaching staff.

• Vanderbilt landed class of 2023 forward JaQualon Roberts.

• ESPN is working on a “30 for 30” documentary of all-time basketball great Bill Walton.

• Tennessee and Myrtle Beach Invitational highlight Colorado's non-con schedule.

• Georgia Tech added depth for this season with 7-0 big Cyril Martynov.

• Texas announced the resignation of assistant coach Jerrance Howard.

Trivia answer: Blake Stepp (24 points). Keith Bogans led UK with 18.